I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify New York’s fastest-appreciating real estate markets over the past decade. The results reveal surprising investment opportunities across diverse regions, from Catskill mountain towns to Western New York enclaves and Long Island communities.
What stands out most in this data is the remarkable triple-digit growth across all 25 markets, with even the “slowest” appreciating town showing a robust 121% gain. Many smaller upstate communities have outperformed traditional hotspots, with nine towns exceeding 150% appreciation and the top performer nearly tripling in value.
Each listing below includes the percentage increase, year-by-year home values, and a focused financial assessment to help guide potential buyers and investors in these emerging markets.
25. Beacon
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.50%
- Home value in 2016: $228,107
- Home value in 2017: $251,981
- Home value in 2018: $278,013
- Home value in 2019: $299,353
- Home value in 2020: $321,328
- Home value in 2021: $369,130
- Home value in 2022: $407,775
- Home value in 2023: $441,058
- Home value in 2024: $476,957
- Home value in 2025: $505,250
Your investment would have more than doubled in Beacon, with consistent year-over-year growth averaging 13.5% annually. The steady appreciation curve suggests sustained demand rather than speculative peaks, making this Hudson Valley gem a stable long-term holding. Beacon’s proximity to NYC combined with its strong appreciation rate indicates it’s still attractively positioned for continued growth despite reaching the half-million mark.
24. Spring Valley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 122.43%
- Home value in 2016: $368,132
- Home value in 2017: $413,885
- Home value in 2018: $444,701
- Home value in 2019: $472,762
- Home value in 2020: $490,814
- Home value in 2021: $523,537
- Home value in 2022: $592,635
- Home value in 2023: $677,205
- Home value in 2024: $764,750
- Home value in 2025: $818,829
With a $450,696 absolute gain, Spring Valley offers the highest dollar appreciation on this list despite starting from a higher base. The acceleration after 2021 (when values jumped 14% yearly) signals a structural market shift favoring this area. For investors, the combination of high percentage growth and substantial absolute value increase makes this Rockland County community a premier wealth-building opportunity despite its higher entry point.
23. Middletown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 123.22%
- Home value in 2016: $170,424
- Home value in 2017: $182,430
- Home value in 2018: $190,088
- Home value in 2019: $209,965
- Home value in 2020: $233,889
- Home value in 2021: $269,338
- Home value in 2022: $308,349
- Home value in 2023: $334,710
- Home value in 2024: $359,797
- Home value in 2025: $380,429
Middletown’s growth pattern shows modest 5-10% annual increases until 2020, followed by accelerated 15%+ gains during the pandemic housing boom. This Orange County market remains relatively affordable at $380K despite more than doubling in value, suggesting a favorable entry point. The appreciation curve indicates this mid-sized community is following the classic pattern of exurban growth as buyers seek value beyond immediate metropolitan areas.
22. Niagara Falls
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.36%
- Home value in 2016: $67,379
- Home value in 2017: $72,456
- Home value in 2018: $78,975
- Home value in 2019: $88,393
- Home value in 2020: $95,157
- Home value in 2021: $110,912
- Home value in 2022: $125,522
- Home value in 2023: $135,560
- Home value in 2024: $144,305
- Home value in 2025: $151,172
Niagara Falls presents an exceptional value proposition, with homes still under $152K despite 124% appreciation – the lowest absolute price point on this list. The steady growth trajectory with no years of decline demonstrates resilient demand in this tourist destination. Investment returns have been amplified by the low entry cost, with initial $67K investments more than doubling while requiring minimal capital outlay compared to downstate markets.
21. Accord
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 125.31%
- Home value in 2016: $218,998
- Home value in 2017: $229,746
- Home value in 2018: $242,526
- Home value in 2019: $266,840
- Home value in 2020: $272,326
- Home value in 2021: $335,728
- Home value in 2022: $411,107
- Home value in 2023: $438,643
- Home value in 2024: $465,501
- Home value in 2025: $493,423
Accord’s financial story is defined by its dramatic pandemic-era surge, with a remarkable 23% jump in 2021 followed by a 22% increase in 2022. This Hudson Valley hamlet exemplifies the rural renaissance, with values more than doubling as urban dwellers sought countryside retreats. The plateau in growth rates after 2022 suggests the market is finding equilibrium after the pandemic rush, potentially offering buyers more negotiating power than during the frenzied 2021-2022 period.
20. Fleischmanns
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 125.41%
- Home value in 2016: $162,286
- Home value in 2017: $166,466
- Home value in 2018: $173,288
- Home value in 2019: $184,965
- Home value in 2020: $199,471
- Home value in 2021: $251,695
- Home value in 2022: $308,743
- Home value in 2023: $328,003
- Home value in 2024: $347,100
- Home value in 2025: $365,815
Fleischmanns’ investment profile shows relatively flat growth until 2020, followed by an explosive 26% jump in 2021 and another 23% in 2022. This Catskill Mountain village exemplifies how pandemic-driven migration created wealth opportunities in previously overlooked rural markets. The moderation to single-digit growth post-2022 suggests early investors have captured the steepest appreciation curve, though continued steady gains indicate sustained demand for this mountain retreat.
19. West Hurley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 125.77%
- Home value in 2016: $202,265
- Home value in 2017: $212,368
- Home value in 2018: $223,790
- Home value in 2019: $235,628
- Home value in 2020: $250,140
- Home value in 2021: $306,000
- Home value in 2022: $366,774
- Home value in 2023: $401,733
- Home value in 2024: $430,605
- Home value in 2025: $456,659
West Hurley’s appreciation curve mirrors the classic pandemic relocation story, with steady 5% annual gains before 2020 followed by a dramatic 22% surge in 2021. Investors who recognized this Ulster County hamlet’s potential early saw their $200K investment grow to over $456K in nine years. The consistent growth pattern with no years of decline points to sustainable demand rather than speculative buying, reinforcing the area’s long-term investment potential.
18. Shirley
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 126.13%
- Home value in 2016: $225,320
- Home value in 2017: $236,962
- Home value in 2018: $253,964
- Home value in 2019: $285,671
- Home value in 2020: $314,081
- Home value in 2021: $358,755
- Home value in 2022: $412,479
- Home value in 2023: $433,114
- Home value in 2024: $466,697
- Home value in 2025: $509,513
Shirley stands out with remarkably balanced growth throughout the nine-year period, averaging 14% annually without the extreme pandemic spike seen elsewhere. This Long Island community’s consistent appreciation pattern signals reliable demand rather than investor speculation or pandemic anomalies. The half-million dollar 2025 valuation still represents relative value for the region, suggesting continued upside potential as neighboring Suffolk County markets approach seven figures.
17. Stone Ridge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 127.79%
- Home value in 2016: $241,716
- Home value in 2017: $255,676
- Home value in 2018: $271,941
- Home value in 2019: $284,692
- Home value in 2020: $299,604
- Home value in 2021: $369,702
- Home value in 2022: $430,094
- Home value in 2023: $476,185
- Home value in 2024: $516,918
- Home value in 2025: $550,601
Stone Ridge demonstrates the wealth-building potential of Ulster County real estate, with a $308,885 absolute gain that ranks among the highest dollar increases on this list. The dramatic acceleration in 2021 (23% jump) marks the pandemic turning point when this historic hamlet became highly sought after. Despite reaching the $550K mark, the consistent upward trajectory suggests Stone Ridge still offers growth potential as buyers continue prioritizing scenic, historic communities with architectural character.
16. Roscoe
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 128.19%
- Home value in 2016: $125,869
- Home value in 2017: $135,802
- Home value in 2018: $144,910
- Home value in 2019: $153,260
- Home value in 2020: $169,303
- Home value in 2021: $218,087
- Home value in 2022: $256,043
- Home value in 2023: $269,307
- Home value in 2024: $273,813
- Home value in 2025: $287,223
Roscoe offers an attractive value proposition with homes still under $300K despite 128% appreciation, making it accessible to first-time investors. This “Trout Town USA” saw its strongest growth during 2020-2022 when outdoor recreation became paramount, with annual gains exceeding 20%. The modest growth in 2023-2025 suggests the market is stabilizing after the pandemic surge, potentially creating buying opportunities for those seeking both recreational use and investment potential in the western Catskills.
15. Ellenville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 132.33%
- Home value in 2016: $116,257
- Home value in 2017: $117,140
- Home value in 2018: $122,538
- Home value in 2019: $126,213
- Home value in 2020: $134,240
- Home value in 2021: $162,030
- Home value in 2022: $191,576
- Home value in 2023: $214,922
- Home value in 2024: $244,704
- Home value in 2025: $270,098
Ellenville exemplifies the financial opportunity in overlooked markets, with relatively flat growth until 2020 followed by accelerating gains averaging 19% annually thereafter. This Ulster County village remains substantially more affordable than nearby tourist destinations despite more than doubling in value. The continued strong growth in 2023-2025 (13.9% average) suggests this market is still in its ascendancy rather than plateauing, potentially offering more upside for investors than markets that peaked earlier.
14. Nelliston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.16%
- Home value in 2016: $53,409
- Home value in 2017: $53,499
- Home value in 2018: $60,369
- Home value in 2019: $63,523
- Home value in 2020: $69,840
- Home value in 2021: $82,001
- Home value in 2022: $93,677
- Home value in 2023: $110,143
- Home value in 2024: $116,083
- Home value in 2025: $124,529
Nelliston presents the lowest entry point on this list at just $124K in 2025 despite 133% appreciation, making it exceptionally accessible to first-time investors. This Mohawk Valley village demonstrates how substantial percentage returns can be achieved with minimal capital, turning $53K investments into $124K assets. The consistent year-over-year growth without dramatic spikes suggests fundamental demand drivers rather than speculative interest, potentially offering more sustainable returns than volatile boom-bust markets.
13. Tannersville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.73%
- Home value in 2016: $169,200
- Home value in 2017: $176,953
- Home value in 2018: $194,107
- Home value in 2019: $200,941
- Home value in 2020: $205,670
- Home value in 2021: $248,111
- Home value in 2022: $313,738
- Home value in 2023: $361,405
- Home value in 2024: $389,341
- Home value in 2025: $395,466
Tannersville’s investment performance features a dramatic growth phase from 2020-2023, when this ski-accessible Catskill Mountain village saw values surge from $205K to $361K. The 26% spike in 2022 exemplifies how pandemic-driven demand for recreational properties created wealth-building opportunities for early investors. The recent moderation to single-digit growth suggests the market is stabilizing after capturing significant value, potentially offering buyers more balanced negotiating conditions than during the frenzied pandemic period.
12. Hudson
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 135.13%
- Home value in 2016: $167,093
- Home value in 2017: $172,902
- Home value in 2018: $195,590
- Home value in 2019: $214,045
- Home value in 2020: $230,222
- Home value in 2021: $277,266
- Home value in 2022: $331,871
- Home value in 2023: $362,618
- Home value in 2024: $373,951
- Home value in 2025: $392,881
Hudson’s financial trajectory reflects its evolution from overlooked river town to sought-after cultural destination, with values more than doubling as its reputation grew. The 20% annual growth during 2020-2022 demonstrates how this Columbia County city captured pandemic-driven migration from New York City. The modest 3-5% growth in recent years suggests most appreciation has already occurred, potentially making this an opportune time for buyers who value established amenities over maximum future appreciation potential.
11. Port Jervis
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 137.65%
- Home value in 2016: $124,960
- Home value in 2017: $132,593
- Home value in 2018: $147,237
- Home value in 2019: $158,199
- Home value in 2020: $171,292
- Home value in 2021: $205,843
- Home value in 2022: $233,542
- Home value in 2023: $256,847
- Home value in 2024: $275,517
- Home value in 2025: $296,961
Port Jervis offers exceptional value relative to its three-state location at the NY-NJ-PA border, remaining under $300K despite 137% appreciation. This Orange County city shows consistent 7-20% annual growth without dramatic swings, indicating sustainable demand rather than speculative interest. For investors seeking affordable options within commuting distance of metro areas, Port Jervis represents one of the best value propositions, with strong absolute gains ($172K increase) from a modest starting point.
10. Callicoon
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 140.31%
- Home value in 2016: $133,695
- Home value in 2017: $142,347
- Home value in 2018: $147,648
- Home value in 2019: $163,365
- Home value in 2020: $169,599
- Home value in 2021: $215,783
- Home value in 2022: $260,165
- Home value in 2023: $291,348
- Home value in 2024: $306,633
- Home value in 2025: $321,288
Callicoon’s investment performance features modest annual growth until 2020, followed by an extraordinary 27% jump in 2021 and 21% in 2022. This Delaware River town exemplifies how pandemic-driven interest in scenic rural communities transformed previously stable markets into high-growth investment opportunities. The $187K absolute gain while remaining relatively affordable at $321K presents an attractive combination of strong returns and continued accessibility for buyers seeking value in the western Catskills.
9. Mastic
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.47%
- Home value in 2016: $196,261
- Home value in 2017: $210,281
- Home value in 2018: $224,329
- Home value in 2019: $254,995
- Home value in 2020: $284,425
- Home value in 2021: $332,622
- Home value in 2022: $382,115
- Home value in 2023: $407,855
- Home value in 2024: $442,868
- Home value in 2025: $483,721
Mastic stands out with the highest absolute dollar gain ($287,460) among the top performers, creating substantial wealth for early investors. This Suffolk County community maintained steady double-digit growth throughout the period, avoiding the post-pandemic slowdown seen in many markets. The combination of strong percentage returns and high dollar appreciation makes this Long Island location particularly attractive for investors seeking to maximize both relative and absolute gains in their real estate portfolio.
8. Buffalo
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 148.80%
- Home value in 2016: $90,085
- Home value in 2017: $100,093
- Home value in 2018: $112,258
- Home value in 2019: $127,101
- Home value in 2020: $139,364
- Home value in 2021: $163,024
- Home value in 2022: $181,486
- Home value in 2023: $197,631
- Home value in 2024: $212,374
- Home value in 2025: $224,133
Buffalo’s remarkable 148.8% appreciation demonstrates how consistently strong growth can generate substantial returns without dramatic spikes, averaging 11-15% annually across the entire period. Despite more than doubling in value, homes remain exceptionally affordable at $224K, offering the rare combination of strong historical returns and low entry costs. The largest city on this list, Buffalo’s performance shows how urban revitalization can create wealth-building opportunities comparable to smaller vacation-oriented communities.
7. South Fallsburg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 156.06%
- Home value in 2016: $106,574
- Home value in 2017: $110,699
- Home value in 2018: $113,679
- Home value in 2019: $124,973
- Home value in 2020: $135,891
- Home value in 2021: $159,796
- Home value in 2022: $204,812
- Home value in 2023: $224,033
- Home value in 2024: $244,055
- Home value in 2025: $272,889
South Fallsburg exemplifies the extraordinary wealth-generating potential of overlooked markets, with modest 3-9% annual growth until 2021 followed by an explosive 28% gain in 2022. This Sullivan County community’s 156% appreciation demonstrates how traditional vacation areas have transformed into permanent home markets. Despite crossing the quarter-million threshold, the $272K value point remains accessible for investors seeking markets with proven strong returns that haven’t yet reached premium pricing.
6. Woodridge
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 158.74%
- Home value in 2016: $103,116
- Home value in 2017: $106,322
- Home value in 2018: $113,067
- Home value in 2019: $123,547
- Home value in 2020: $137,765
- Home value in 2021: $162,958
- Home value in 2022: $203,631
- Home value in 2023: $228,364
- Home value in 2024: $248,392
- Home value in 2025: $266,801
Woodridge’s investment profile shows how substantial wealth can be created from modest capital, turning $103K investments into $266K assets in nine years. The dramatic acceleration beginning in 2021 (18% gain) followed by 25% in 2022 exemplifies the pandemic’s transformation of the Catskills market. For value-conscious investors, Woodridge still offers an accessible entry point despite 158% appreciation, with prices significantly below neighboring Sullivan County communities that started at higher baselines.
5. Pine Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 162.15%
- Home value in 2016: $148,053
- Home value in 2017: $151,968
- Home value in 2018: $163,055
- Home value in 2019: $183,207
- Home value in 2020: $192,653
- Home value in 2021: $255,934
- Home value in 2022: $307,678
- Home value in 2023: $335,909
- Home value in 2024: $354,685
- Home value in 2025: $388,125
Pine Hill’s remarkable 162% appreciation features one of the most dramatic pandemic surges, with values jumping an extraordinary 33% in 2021 followed by 20% in 2022. The $240K absolute gain ranks among the highest dollar increases on this list, creating substantial wealth for early investors. This Ulster County hamlet demonstrates how ski-accessible Catskill communities have been transformed from seasonal markets to year-round destinations with corresponding premium valuations.
4. Smallwood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 164.00%
- Home value in 2016: $80,282
- Home value in 2017: $83,332
- Home value in 2018: $92,043
- Home value in 2019: $97,052
- Home value in 2020: $100,220
- Home value in 2021: $127,171
- Home value in 2022: $156,353
- Home value in 2023: $172,246
- Home value in 2024: $192,118
- Home value in 2025: $211,947
Smallwood demonstrates how exceptional percentage returns (164%) can be achieved with minimal initial capital, turning $80K investments into $211K assets. The pandemic-era acceleration is pronounced, with 27% growth in 2021 and 23% in 2022 as this Sullivan County lake community captured migration from urban areas. Despite tripling in value relative to its starting point, Smallwood remains one of the most accessible markets on this list at $211K, offering a compelling combination of proven performance and low entry cost.
3. Celoron
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 166.10%
- Home value in 2016: $35,343
- Home value in 2017: $38,930
- Home value in 2018: $38,731
- Home value in 2019: $39,682
- Home value in 2020: $45,281
- Home value in 2021: $56,869
- Home value in 2022: $66,749
- Home value in 2023: $73,229
- Home value in 2024: $84,619
- Home value in 2025: $94,048
Celoron presents the most accessible entry point on this list at under $95K in 2025 despite extraordinary 166% appreciation. This Chautauqua County village near Jamestown demonstrates how substantial percentage returns can be achieved with minimal capital, turning $35K investments into $94K assets. The steady growth pattern without major corrections suggests fundamental economic improvements rather than speculative activity, potentially offering continued upside with significantly less capital risk than higher-priced markets.
2. Monticello
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 166.27%
- Home value in 2016: $97,112
- Home value in 2017: $99,235
- Home value in 2018: $98,779
- Home value in 2019: $104,399
- Home value in 2020: $117,803
- Home value in 2021: $144,495
- Home value in 2022: $182,381
- Home value in 2023: $206,529
- Home value in 2024: $234,510
- Home value in 2025: $258,578
Monticello’s financial story showcases the dramatic transformation of Sullivan County’s market, with properties that struggled to maintain value pre-2019 now delivering 166% returns over nine years. The 26% surge in 2022 followed by continued strong growth demonstrates sustained demand rather than a temporary pandemic effect. Despite exceeding quarter-million valuations, Monticello remains attractively priced compared to neighboring Catskill communities, potentially offering better value for buyers seeking strong appreciation with moderate entry costs.
1. Livingston Manor
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 175.24%
- Home value in 2016: $112,851
- Home value in 2017: $121,484
- Home value in 2018: $121,503
- Home value in 2019: $139,286
- Home value in 2020: $156,530
- Home value in 2021: $195,663
- Home value in 2022: $237,498
- Home value in 2023: $270,899
- Home value in 2024: $291,485
- Home value in 2025: $310,606
Livingston Manor claims the crown with an astonishing 175.2% appreciation, nearly tripling in value over nine years and outpacing every other New York market. The acceleration from 2020-2022 (yearly gains exceeding 20%) reflects this Sullivan County town’s emergence as a premier rural destination. Despite the extraordinary growth, Livingston Manor remains relatively affordable at $310K compared to similar Hudson Valley and Catskill communities, suggesting potential for continued appreciation as it catches up to premium-priced neighboring markets.
